Tag Archives: hike

Hector’s Run Falls is located in the Allegheny National Forest, between Route 6 in Ludlow and Route 948 in Barnes. The best access is via Route 6.WARNING: There are steep cliffs at the falls, and cell phone service drops off about half-way into the hike. Wear footwear with good tread, and be careful when hiking near the edge.

From Sheffield, take Route 6 to Ludlow.
Turn right onto South Hillside Drive, just as you come into Ludlow.
Turn left onto Water Street.
Turn right onto Scenic Drive.
After about a mile, you will turn right onto Forestry Road 258.
In 2.1 miles, you will reach Forestry Road 258H, on your left, which is gated off. There is a small parking area beside the gate.

This is where your hike begins. Hector’s Run Falls are approximately 1 mile from the gate.
Follow 258H to the fork in the road and take the left fork (downhill.) You will come to a small meadow, with a light blue National Fuel well-head. The trail turns to the right, as you’re facing the well-head.
Continue to follow the trail for another 200 yards, or so, and you will arrive at the top of the falls.

Please note that this was our first trip to the falls, and we did not take the left fork of the road, and ended up coming through the forest, following the sound of the water. So, the video begins as we arrive at the side of the falls. The falls usually only have water running over them after a recent rain. Be sure to plan your hike accordingly.

Warren County Winterfest is the largest winter event in the Pennsylvania Wilds region. Held at Chapman State Park in late January of each year, our event features a variety of Winter outdoor activities for the whole family to enjoy.

On Friday, Winterfest kicks off on Friday morning with the mid-distance sled dog race, part of the Jim Lobdell Memorial Sled Dog Races at Chapman State Park. The “Meet the Musher” supper will be held Friday afternoon at nearby Kalbfus Rod and Gun Club.

On Saturday morning, Chapman State Park begins a long slate of family-fun events, starting with Lobdell sled dog races, ice fishing and skiing. There will be a whole host of events, vendors and refreshments under the Big Tent. The Canine Weight Pull starts at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, 10:00 a.m. on Sunday. National-champion weight pulling dogs compete between Pavilion #1 and Pavilion #2. The Sled Riding Hill will see the return of the Sled Racing Competition and the Cardboard Box Derby, managed by Warren Y.M.C.A.

Tobaggan Races will return to the Sled Riding Hill on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. On Sunday at 2:00 p.m., there will be the first-ever Outhouse Races at the base of the Sled Riding Hill.

The Patrick Shine Polar Bear Plunge is scheduled for 2:00 PM on Saturday afternoon. Plungers register prior to the event, each donating to benefit the Salvation Army’s Warren citadel.

The Allegheny National Forest Snowmobile Loop passes through Chapman State Park. Snowmobilers riding the four-county Loop are welcome to stop at the park and enjoy Winterfest. Snowmobile dealers will return to this year’s event with a display and demo rides right on the trail.

In 2012, the Park opened an all-new dedicated Ice Skating Rink. The rink is behind the Environmental Learning Center (Old Park Office) as you enter the Park. Ice Skates will be available on both Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday at 1:00 p.m., the Warren Champions on Ice will give a figure skating presentation. A “Learn to Skate” program will be presented in morning and afternoon sessions on Saturday and Sunday. See our Schedule page for details.

There will be a Geocaching Seminar in the Environmental Learning Center on Saturday at 9:00 a.m., and Kinzua Caches will hold a Geomeet /Geocaching Game in Yurt #1 in the Park Campground from 10:00 to 2:30 p.m.

If you have questions on the events or you want to find a place to stay overnight, please call either the Chapman State Park office of the Warren County Visitors Bureau. Once you arrive at the Park for Winterfest, you can ask the Fire Police for instructions or visit the information booth at the Big Tent.

CHAPMAN STATE PARK BEACH & CONCESSION STAND ARE CLOSED FOR THE SEASON.

All Chapman State Park programs are free of charge unless otherwise noted.

If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks at 1-888-PA-PARKS (voice), 717-558-2710 (local or international voice), or 711 (AT&T Relay Services). With at least three days notice, interpreters for people who are deaf or hard of hearing are available for educational programs.

For more information on Chapman State Park or any of Pennsylvania’s other state parks, call 1-888-PA-PARKS between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday; or visit DCNR’s website: www.dcnr.state.pa.us (Select Parks).

This is not so much a “hike”, as an exploration. A ridge, several hundred yards long, made of giant glacial rocks, with numerous cracks, crevices, and caves. Perfect for careful exploration. This rock formation is located on Forestry Road 179, near Sheffield. Watch the video for a preview of this area. The last few minutes of the video is a walk through a natural tunnel in the rocks.

DANGER: There are steep cliffs!!! A fall from one of these rocks would cause severe injuries and possibly death! The caves/ crevices could be home to wild animals, from opossums to raccoons to foxes to bears. Most wild animals are dangerous when cornered.

The Allegheny National Forest chapter of the North Country Trail will hold it’s monthly meeting on Nov. 15 at the Lion’s Den in Sheffield at 6:30. We will discuss, amongst other items, the construction of the Beaver Run bridge, north of Kelletville, and the large highway signs to be placed at major road crossings. There will also be a report on the re-route being done by Minard Run Drilling along the trail north of Rt 59.

The ANF chapter maintains a 100 mile section of a 4600 mile national scenic foot path. This is almost all within the boundaries of the Allegheny National Forest. The maintenance is constant to keep the trail open and an enjoyable walk for all who venture outdoors. Beside hikers and their families, many hunters and fisherman use this trail to get to their “hot spots.” This meeting is open to all who want to contribute to this to this trail. Whether it’s a good idea or a pair of hands, come over to the meeting, all are welcome. For more information, contact, Keith Klos at 814-484-7420

Bent Run is a small stream that descends between Forest Road 160 and Route 59, above the Kinzua Dam. Over the mile it descends, the water drops about 700 feet in a series of small cascades, ending in small pools. The largest waterfall is about 30 feet, when the stream is at capacity. A series of falls can be seen from the parking area. There is a rocky worn trail leading alongside the falls, up the hill. It is possible to travel from the base of the run all the way to the top, but climbing becomes difficult. Best viewing time is after a good rain or during the Spring thaw, when the stream is in its full glory. During drier times of the year, the flow is reduced to a trickle.

Note: Steep and rocky terrain – rocks become very slippery when wet. Trail becomes less distinct as you gain altitude.

Amenities:

Public restrooms at nearby Kinzua Dam

To reach the trailhead from Warren, Pennsylvania:

Take Route 59 past the Kinzua Dam – Bent Run parking area is on the right, just a short distance past the Kinzua Dam

This 11.1 mile trail is located approximately one half mile north of Hearts Content Recreation Area along SR2002 (the Hearts Content Road), 15 miles southwest of Warren, PA. the and forms a loop through the Hickory Creek Wilderness.

SPECIAL NOTICE TO HICKORY CREEK WILDERNESS TRAIL HIKERS
This trail is marked infrequently with faded yellow blazes. In keeping with Wilderness values, they will be allowed to fade further over time and will not be replaced. This may make the trail difficult to follow, especially when fallen leaves or snow make the established tread more difficult to see.

All trail maintenance is done to protect the Wilderness character of the area, not for the convenience of the visitors to this place. This means that obstructions on the trail will not be removed unless not doing so would cause irreversible environmental damage. This may make the trail even more difficult to follow. It is suggested that all hikers have and know how to use a map and compass or GPS device when hiking in Hickory Creek Wilderness.

The 11.1 mile Hickory Creek trail provides a unique opportunity for those who seek a Wilderness trail challenge not available elsewhere in this region of the country. If a Wilderness maintenance standard is not the type of hiking experience you seek, we encourage you to explore any of the nearly 200 miles of well-marked developed hiking trails available throughout the Allegheny National Forest.

Finding the trail: The new trailhead parking lot is located approximately one half mile north of Hearts Content Recreation Area along SR2002 (the Hearts Content Road), 15 miles southwest of Warren, PA. US 6 and Township Road T3005 meet in the middle of Warren at the Hickory Street Bridge. TR 3005 begins here, crossing the Allegheny River toward Warren General Hospital (bear left away from the hospital after you cross the bridge). Follow TR 3005 about 11 miles to its junction with a marked township road which leads to Hearts Content Recreation Area (four miles).

Hiking the trail: Watch the informational signs. This trail offers challenges to a wide range of skill levels as it traverses the rolling terrain within the Hickory Creek Wilderness. From Hearts Content Recreation Area, the trail heads westward along the top of the plateau between East Hickory and Middle Hickory Creeks. Once the trail reaches Jacks Run, it loops back eastward and climbs in and out of several small valleys along the way.

Fishing for small native brookies can be done in East and Middle Hickory Creeks. Enjoy the wildlife viewing as you hike. The vegetation found in the Hickory Creek Wilderness supports wildlife typically associated with older trees and decaying vegetation. Groves of hemlock may be found along the lower half of East Hickory Creek. Middle Hickory Creek flows through meadows studded with bogs and beaver ponds. Large white pine are scattered in open areas. The most significant evidence of human intrusion that still remains are several old railroad grades used in early logging efforts.

Camp overnight as you enjoy the Hickory Creek Wilderness, or make a long day trip through the wilderness.

Regulations: The trail currently blazed infrequently with yellow paint on tree blazes, but is in the process of being changed to unpainted tree blazes in order to be more compatible with a wilderness designation. Normal wilderness regulations apply, including no motorized vehicles or equipment use of any kind. Forest trail policy prohibits the use if a saddle, pack or draft animal on hiking trails.

This 10.5 kilometer (6.4 mile) trail utilizes old railroad grades, roads and existing trails to form several loops for your skiing pleasure. Of significance is the old growth forest of hemlock, beech and white pine in the Hearts Content National Scenic Area – enjoy the solitude and grandeur of these ancient trees.

Finding the area: The trailhead parking lot is located at the picnic area of the Hearts Content Recreation Area 15 miles southwest of Warren, PA. To reach Hearts Content Recreation Area, take the Warren to Tidioute road from Warren or Tidioute to the junction of the Hearts Content Road. Follow this road four miles to the Hearts Content Recreation Area. From Sheffield, take the Austin Hill (Bull Hill) Road to the Hearts Content Road. Total distance is approximately 15 miles.

Regulations: This trail is for hiking, skiing and mountain biking. Motorized vehicles, ATVs and snowmobiles, are not allowed on any of the trails. Forest trails policy prohibits the use of a saddle, pack or draft animals on hiking or cross county ski trails. If you are hunting in the area, please make sure you are outside the campground boundary. All dogs must be on leashes when using the trail.

Skiing the area: Watch the informational signs. This trail area offers challenges to the beginning skier. The more experienced skier will find these trails offer an easy afternoon. All three loops are rated as suitable for beginners.

The Hearts Content Loop offers a scenic tour through the grandiose old stands of beech, hemlock and white pine. Toms’ Run Loop offers a gradual rise in elevation as it climbs the plateau along Tom’s Run. At the headwaters of Tom’s Run, the trail crosses the plateau and joins with the Ironwood Loop. This loop offers another opportunity for beginning skiers to experience the Hearts Content Cross-Country Ski Area, park at Dunham Siding on the Hearts Content Road instead of parking at Hearts Content Recreation Area. The Ironwood Loop receives less use than the other two trails and for that reason offers a little more solitude.

The hike to Rimrock Overlook can be easily made in less than 10 minutes on the man-made pathway. A series of steps and board walkways help you descend to the main overlooks. These overlooks offer spectacular views of the Allegheny Reservoir and Allegheny National Forest. Another set of steps, carved in the stone, take you down below the overlook to primitive hiking trails. Commonly seen wildlife in this area includes birds, chipmunks, squirrels, grouse, and whitetail deer. In addition, black bear, wild turkey, red & grey fox, raccoon, opossum, bobcat, fisher,weasel, and coyotes can be found in the area, but seen less often. Be sure to stay on the trails, as there are dangerous cliffs around the overlook area.

Amenities:

Public restrooms

Picnic area

Board walkways and steps, as well as primitive trails below the overlook

The hike to Jakes Rocks Overlook can be easily made in less than 10 minutes on the fairly level, paved pathway, making this a very easy hike for nearly anyone. The overlooks offer spectacular views of the Kinzua Dam and Allegheny Reservoir. Commonly seen wildlife in this area includes birds, chipmunks, squirrels, grouse, and whitetail deer. In addition, black bear, wild turkey, red & grey fox, raccoon, opossum, bobcat, fisher,weasel, and coyotes can be found in the area, but seen less often. Be sure to stay on the trails, as there are dangerous cliffs around the overlook area.

Amenities:

Public restrooms

Picnic area

Paved hiking trails

To reach the trailhead from Warren, Pennsylvania:

Take Route 59 past the Kinzua Dam

Turn right onto Longhouse Scenic Drive

Turn right again onto Forest Road 492

Turn right again at the stop sign.

Bear to the right at the triangle intersection, and go to the 2nd parking lot.

Friday, July 24Movie: Beavers- The Biggest Dam Movie You Will Ever See 8:30-10:00 pm
Want to see the biggest beaver dam ever captured on film? Come to the park amphitheater for a program on beavers and stay to see the movie! In case of rain, meet at Pavilion #4.

Saturday, July 25 Chapman Canoe Tour 4:00 pm-5:30 pm
Come to the mooring area by the warming hut for a short lesson on basic boating safety and then take a canoe tour on the lake and West Branch of the Tionesta Creek. We will learn about the plants and animals of Chapman, as well as history of the area. Feel free to bring your own canoe or kayak. Pre-registration is REQUIRED as canoes are limited. Please call the park office (814) 723-0250 to register by 7/24.Leave No Trace for Families 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Learn how to be friendly to the environment while you’re out having fun in the woods. We will learn how to pitch a tent in the proper place, what we should and shouldn’t bring on a hike, the 7 principles of Leave No Trace, and we will sample some backpacking food. Meet the Park Naturalist at the Environmental Learning Center.

Sunday, July 26Nature Scavenger Hunt 11:00 am-12:30 pm
Do you like scavenger hunts? Meet at the amphitheater to go on a nature scavenger hunt with the park naturalist. We will learn about the plants and animals of Chapman as we go on a short hike. Prizes will be awarded to the children who complete their lists!Investigating Insects 1:00 pm-3:00 pm
Come to the Environmental Learning Center to learn about insect life cycles, what they eat, where they live, and learn how to use a field guide to identify them. We will also go on a short hike to capture and observe these cool creatures.

All programs are provided free of charge,
unless otherwise noted in the description.